Samsung’s new sound bar is called HW-D550

Samsung has unveiled their new sound bar called HW-D550 as a follow-up to last year’s HW-C450, with improvements such as 2 HDMI inputs, 3D video passthrough and ARC (audio return channel).

Samsung HW-D550 sound bar

Most 2010 sound bars lacked HDMI inputs, forcing users to connect sound sources directly to the receiver. Samsung has addressed that problem with their new HW-D550 sound bar that comes with 2 HDMI inputs.

Samsung HW-D550

The sound bar has a slim design in a high-gloss finish and all connection jacks are hidden at the back. The subwoofer is wireless so you just need a power plug. Samsung says that the sound bar delivers 2.1 channel audio in 310 W.

Samsung HW-D550 has been optimized for 46-inch TVs and larger. Naturally, it also features HDMI output and you can use the HDMI inputs and outputs to create a 3D passthrough signal for the TV. HW-D550 also supports ARC (audio return channel) which means that you can return the audio feed to the TV through the same cable – that was not possible in with older sound bars.

Expect Samsung HW-D550 to launch in March-April 2011. No price has been revealed yet but Samsung says that the wall-mount bracket is included. A silver version called HW-D551 has also been announced.